Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A computer-implemented method for event-driven workflow processing in a blockchain network including a plurality of nodes, the method comprising: receiving, at a workflow processing node in the blockchain network from a client, a request to execute a workflow program, wherein the workflow program is stored in a blockchain maintained by the blockchain network; identifying, by the workflow processing node, an operation associated with the workflow program; assigning, by the workflow processing node, the identified operation to a subset of the plurality of nodes in the blockchain network, wherein each node in the subset of nodes is configured to execute the operation separately from the other nodes in the subset of nodes; identifying, by the workflow processing node, processing results for the executed operation associated with nodes in the subset of nodes, each processing result associated with a particular node in the subset of nodes and representing a result of the executed operation produced by the particular node; and determining, by the workflow processing node, a consensus result for the operation based on the identified processing results associated with a number of nodes greater than or equal to a consensus threshold matching the consensus result.
This invention relates to event-driven workflow processing in blockchain networks, addressing the challenge of efficiently executing and validating workflows across distributed nodes while ensuring consensus. The system involves a blockchain network with multiple nodes, where a workflow processing node receives a request from a client to execute a workflow program stored in the blockchain. The workflow program defines a series of operations that must be processed. The workflow processing node identifies an operation from the workflow program and assigns it to a subset of nodes in the network. Each node in this subset executes the operation independently, producing individual processing results. The workflow processing node then collects these results and determines a consensus result for the operation based on the majority of the results, using a predefined consensus threshold. This ensures that the operation is validated and executed reliably across the network, even if some nodes produce inconsistent results. The approach enhances the reliability and security of workflow execution in decentralized environments by leveraging distributed processing and consensus mechanisms.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising storing the consensus result for the operation in the blockchain.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to blockchain-based consensus mechanisms for distributed computing systems. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable and tamper-proof execution of operations in decentralized environments where multiple nodes must agree on results. The solution involves a computer-implemented method that generates a consensus result for an operation by evaluating input data from multiple nodes, applying a consensus algorithm to determine the final output, and then storing this consensus result in a blockchain to create an immutable record. The method first collects input data from multiple nodes participating in the operation. These nodes may be distributed across a network and may have varying levels of trustworthiness. The system then applies a consensus algorithm, such as proof-of-work, proof-of-stake, or a Byzantine fault-tolerant algorithm, to process the input data and determine a final consensus result. This result represents the agreed-upon output of the operation, ensuring consistency across the network. To enhance security and auditability, the consensus result is stored in a blockchain. The blockchain provides a decentralized, cryptographically secured ledger where the result is recorded in a block linked to previous blocks, making it resistant to tampering. This ensures that the consensus result remains verifiable and unalterable over time. The method may also include additional steps such as validating the consensus result before storage or notifying participating nodes of the final outcome. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring high reliability, such as financial transactions, supply chain tracking, and decentralized autonomous organizations.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the operation is a first operation, the method further comprising: identifying, by the workflow processing node, a final operation associated with the workflow program, wherein the final operation is separate from the first operation and appears last in an ordered set of instructions associated with the workflow program; assigning, by the workflow processing node, the final operation to the subset of nodes; identifying, by the workflow processing node, processing results for the final operation associated with nodes in the subset of nodes; determining a consensus result for the final operation based on the identified processing results; and sending, by the workflow processing node, a response to the client indicating that the workflow program has completed execution successfully.
This invention relates to distributed workflow processing systems, specifically methods for managing and executing workflow programs across multiple nodes in a network. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable and consistent execution of workflow programs, particularly when distributed across multiple processing nodes, to achieve a final consensus result and notify the client of successful completion. The method involves a workflow processing node that identifies a final operation within a workflow program, distinct from an initial operation. The final operation is the last instruction in an ordered set of operations defined by the workflow program. The workflow processing node assigns this final operation to a subset of nodes within the network. Each node in the subset processes the final operation independently, generating individual processing results. The workflow processing node then collects these results and determines a consensus result based on the aggregated outputs. Finally, the node sends a response to the client, confirming that the workflow program has executed successfully. This approach ensures that the workflow completes reliably, even in distributed environments, by verifying consensus among multiple nodes before declaring success. The method may also include similar steps for other operations within the workflow, ensuring consistent processing throughout execution.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the operation is a first operation, the method further comprising: identifying, by the workflow processing node, a second operation associated with the workflow program, wherein the second operation is separate from the first operation; assigning, by the workflow processing node, the second operation to the subset of nodes; identifying, by the workflow processing node, processing results for the second operation associated with nodes in the subset of nodes; and determining that no consensus result exists for the second operation based on a number of nodes less than the consensus threshold being associated a same processing result.
In the domain of distributed computing and workflow processing, this invention addresses the challenge of ensuring reliable execution and consensus in distributed systems where multiple nodes process operations as part of a workflow program. The method involves a workflow processing node managing the execution of operations across a subset of nodes in a distributed network. The workflow processing node identifies a first operation associated with the workflow program and assigns it to a subset of nodes. It then collects processing results from these nodes to determine if a consensus result exists for the first operation based on whether a sufficient number of nodes (meeting a predefined consensus threshold) agree on the same processing result. If consensus is not achieved, the workflow processing node may take corrective action, such as reassigning the operation or flagging the discrepancy. Additionally, the method extends to handling a second operation, separate from the first, within the same workflow program. The workflow processing node assigns this second operation to the same or a different subset of nodes, collects their processing results, and again checks for consensus. If fewer than the required number of nodes agree on the same result, the system determines that no consensus exists for the second operation. This approach ensures robustness in distributed workflow execution by detecting and addressing discrepancies in node processing outcomes, thereby improving reliability and accuracy in distributed systems.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , further comprising sending, by the workflow processing node, a response to the client indicating that execution of the workflow program was not successful.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to workflow processing systems, specifically addressing the need for efficient error handling and communication in distributed workflow execution environments. The method involves a workflow processing node that executes a workflow program, which consists of a series of tasks or operations. If the execution of the workflow program fails, the system generates an error or failure condition. In response to this failure, the workflow processing node sends a response to the client that initiated the workflow, indicating that the execution was not successful. This ensures that the client is promptly notified of any failures, allowing for appropriate corrective actions or retries. The method may also include additional steps such as logging the failure, analyzing the cause of the failure, or triggering alternative workflow paths based on the error condition. The system is designed to improve transparency and reliability in workflow processing by providing clear feedback to clients when operations do not complete as expected. This is particularly useful in automated, distributed, or mission-critical workflow environments where timely error reporting is essential.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein each identified processing result is digitally signed by the associated node.
This invention relates to a distributed computing system where multiple nodes process data and generate results. The problem addressed is ensuring the integrity and authenticity of processing results in a decentralized environment, where results may be transmitted or stored across multiple nodes. The solution involves digitally signing each processing result by the node that generated it. This ensures that any subsequent verification can confirm the result's origin and that it has not been tampered with. The digital signature is cryptographically linked to the node, providing a tamper-evident mechanism for result validation. This approach is particularly useful in systems where trust between nodes is limited or where results must be auditable. The signing process may involve asymmetric cryptography, where the node uses a private key to sign the result, and the corresponding public key is used for verification. This method enhances security by preventing unauthorized modifications and enabling traceability of results to their source. The invention is applicable in blockchain systems, distributed ledgers, or any decentralized computing environment where result integrity is critical.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the workflow program includes executable byte code configured to be executed by the plurality of nodes.
This invention relates to distributed computing systems where tasks are executed across multiple nodes. The problem addressed is the inefficiency and complexity of managing and executing workflows in such environments, particularly when workflows are defined using executable byte code. The solution involves a method for processing workflows in a distributed system where a workflow program, containing executable byte code, is distributed and executed by multiple nodes. The workflow program is designed to be interpreted or executed directly by the nodes, allowing for dynamic and flexible task execution. The system ensures that the workflow program is properly distributed, loaded, and executed across the nodes, with each node handling a portion of the workflow. This approach improves efficiency by reducing overhead and enabling parallel processing. The method also includes mechanisms to manage dependencies, coordinate execution, and handle failures, ensuring reliable and scalable workflow execution in distributed environments. The use of executable byte code allows for dynamic adjustments and optimizations during runtime, enhancing adaptability to changing conditions. The overall system provides a robust framework for executing complex workflows in distributed computing environments, improving performance and resource utilization.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein assigning the identified operation to the subset of nodes includes executing, by the workflow processing node, a remote procedure call associated with the operation on each of the subset of nodes.
This invention relates to distributed computing systems, specifically methods for efficiently assigning and executing operations across multiple nodes in a workflow processing environment. The problem addressed is the need for scalable and reliable task distribution in distributed systems, where operations must be executed on specific subsets of nodes while ensuring proper coordination and error handling. The method involves identifying an operation within a workflow that requires execution on a subset of nodes in a distributed system. The workflow processing node, which manages the overall workflow, assigns the identified operation to the specified subset of nodes. This assignment includes executing a remote procedure call (RPC) associated with the operation on each node in the subset. The RPC ensures that the operation is remotely invoked and executed on the target nodes, allowing for distributed processing while maintaining coordination through the central workflow processing node. This approach enables efficient task distribution, reduces latency, and improves system reliability by leveraging parallel execution across multiple nodes. The method is particularly useful in large-scale distributed systems where tasks must be dynamically assigned to different subsets of nodes based on workload requirements.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the blockchain is an Ethereum blockchain and the workflow program is a smart contract program.
This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing workflows using blockchain technology, specifically an Ethereum blockchain, where the workflow program is implemented as a smart contract. The method addresses the problem of inefficient, centralized workflow management systems that lack transparency, security, and automation. By leveraging blockchain and smart contracts, the system ensures tamper-proof execution, automated enforcement of workflow rules, and decentralized verification of workflow steps. The method involves deploying a smart contract on the Ethereum blockchain to define and execute workflow processes. The smart contract includes predefined rules and conditions that dictate how workflow tasks are initiated, processed, and completed. Participants interact with the smart contract through transactions, which are recorded on the blockchain, ensuring an immutable and transparent audit trail. The smart contract automatically enforces workflow logic, such as approvals, validations, and transitions between workflow states, without requiring intermediaries. The system also includes mechanisms for tracking the status of workflow tasks, notifying participants of required actions, and handling exceptions or deviations from the predefined workflow. By using blockchain technology, the method ensures that all workflow-related data is securely stored and verifiable by all authorized participants, reducing the risk of fraud or manipulation. The use of smart contracts automates decision-making and reduces manual intervention, improving efficiency and reducing errors in workflow execution.
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein each of the nodes in the blockchain network is associated one of a plurality of entities participating in the blockchain network.
The invention relates to a blockchain network system where each node in the network is associated with one of multiple entities participating in the blockchain network. Blockchain networks are decentralized systems that rely on nodes to validate and record transactions, ensuring transparency and security. However, traditional blockchain networks often lack clear entity associations, making it difficult to track participation and accountability. This invention addresses the problem by explicitly linking each node to a specific entity, improving traceability and trust within the network. The method involves a computer-implemented process where nodes in the blockchain network are assigned to distinct entities. These entities could represent organizations, individuals, or other participants involved in the blockchain's operations. By associating nodes with entities, the system enhances transparency, as transactions and validations can be traced back to their originating participants. This also facilitates accountability, as entities can be held responsible for their nodes' actions. The invention may include additional features such as authentication mechanisms to verify entity-node associations and logging systems to record interactions. The overall goal is to create a more structured and trustworthy blockchain environment where participation is clearly defined and monitored.
11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10 , wherein the subset of nodes includes at least one node associated with each of the plurality of entities participating in the blockchain network.
This invention relates to blockchain network systems and addresses the challenge of efficiently managing and validating transactions across multiple participating entities. The method involves selecting a subset of nodes from a blockchain network, where the subset includes at least one node associated with each entity involved in the network. These nodes are responsible for validating transactions and maintaining consensus. The method ensures that all participating entities are represented in the validation process, improving decentralization and security. The subset selection may be based on criteria such as node reputation, computational power, or random selection to prevent bias. Once selected, these nodes collaborate to validate transactions, ensuring that the blockchain remains tamper-proof and trustworthy. The method also includes mechanisms to handle node failures or malicious behavior, such as replacing compromised nodes or adjusting the selection criteria dynamically. This approach enhances the robustness and fairness of the blockchain network by ensuring that all entities have an equal opportunity to participate in the validation process. The invention is particularly useful in permissioned blockchain networks where entities must be represented in the consensus mechanism.
12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more instructions executable by a computer system to perform processing comprising: receiving, at a workflow processing node in a blockchain network from a client, a request to execute a workflow program, wherein the workflow program is stored in a blockchain maintained by the blockchain network; identifying, by the workflow processing node, an operation associated with the workflow program; assigning, by the workflow processing node, the identified operation to a subset of a plurality of nodes in the blockchain network, wherein each node in the subset of nodes is configured to execute the operation separately from the other nodes in the subset of nodes; identifying, by the workflow processing node, processing results for the executed operation associated with nodes in the subset of nodes, each processing result associated with a particular node in the subset of nodes and representing a result of the executed operation produced by the particular node; and determining, by the workflow processing node, a consensus result for the operation based on the identified processing results associated with a number of nodes greater than or equal to a consensus threshold matching the consensus result.
This invention relates to distributed workflow processing in blockchain networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and secure execution of workflow programs across decentralized nodes while ensuring consensus on results. The solution involves a system where a workflow processing node receives a request from a client to execute a workflow program stored in a blockchain. The workflow program is parsed to identify an operation, which is then assigned to a subset of nodes in the blockchain network. Each node in the subset executes the operation independently. The workflow processing node collects the processing results from these nodes, where each result represents the output of the operation as produced by a particular node. To ensure reliability, the system determines a consensus result by comparing the processing results from multiple nodes. The consensus result is finalized when a sufficient number of nodes, meeting or exceeding a predefined consensus threshold, produce matching results. This approach enhances security and fault tolerance by leveraging distributed execution and consensus mechanisms inherent in blockchain networks. The invention is particularly useful for applications requiring verifiable and tamper-resistant workflow processing in decentralized environments.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , further comprising storing the consensus result for the operation in the blockchain.
A system and method for blockchain-based consensus validation involves a distributed network of nodes that validate operations by executing them in a simulated environment. The system generates a consensus result by comparing the outputs of these executions across multiple nodes. If the outputs match, the operation is deemed valid and the consensus result is stored in the blockchain. This ensures that only correctly executed operations are recorded, preventing errors or malicious activity. The method includes simulating the operation in isolated environments on each node, comparing the results, and storing the validated consensus result in the blockchain. This approach enhances security and reliability in decentralized systems by ensuring that all nodes agree on the correctness of operations before they are recorded. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring high integrity, such as financial transactions, supply chain tracking, or smart contracts, where discrepancies in execution could lead to significant issues. By leveraging blockchain storage, the consensus result is immutable and verifiable, providing a tamper-proof record of validated operations.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , wherein the operation is a first operation, and the processing further comprises: identifying, by the workflow processing node, a final operation associated with the workflow program, wherein the final operation is separate from the first operation and appears last in an ordered set of instructions associated with the workflow program; assigning, by the workflow processing node, the final operation to the subset of nodes; identifying, by the workflow processing node, processing results for the final operation associated with nodes in the subset of nodes; determining a consensus result for the final operation based on the identified processing results; and sending, by the workflow processing node, a response to the client indicating that the workflow program has completed execution successfully.
This invention relates to distributed workflow processing systems, specifically improving the execution and completion of workflow programs across multiple nodes. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable and consistent execution of workflow programs in distributed environments, particularly when handling final operations that determine workflow completion. The system involves a workflow processing node that manages the execution of a workflow program across a subset of nodes in a distributed network. The workflow program consists of an ordered set of instructions, where the final operation is the last instruction in the sequence. The workflow processing node identifies this final operation and assigns it to the subset of nodes for execution. Each node processes the final operation independently, generating individual processing results. The workflow processing node then collects these results and determines a consensus result based on them. If the consensus indicates successful execution, the node sends a response to the client, confirming that the workflow program has completed successfully. This approach ensures that the workflow's final operation is executed reliably and that the system can verify completion even in distributed environments where individual nodes may fail or produce inconsistent results. The method enhances fault tolerance and consistency in workflow processing.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , wherein the operation is a first operation, and the processing further comprises: identifying, by the workflow processing node, a second operation associated with the workflow program, wherein the second operation is separate from the first operation; assigning, by the workflow processing node, the second operation to the subset of nodes; identifying, by the workflow processing node, processing results for the second operation associated with nodes in the subset of nodes; and determining that no consensus result exists for the second operation based on a number of nodes less than the consensus threshold being associated a same processing result.
This invention relates to distributed workflow processing systems, specifically improving fault tolerance and consensus mechanisms in decentralized computing environments. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable execution of workflow operations across multiple nodes where individual nodes may fail or produce inconsistent results, leading to incorrect or incomplete workflow outcomes. The system involves a workflow processing node that manages the execution of operations within a workflow program. The workflow program is divided into multiple operations, each processed by a subset of nodes in a distributed network. For a given operation, the workflow processing node assigns the operation to a subset of nodes and collects processing results from those nodes. To determine a consensus result, the system checks if a sufficient number of nodes (meeting a predefined consensus threshold) return the same processing result. If fewer than the required number of nodes agree, the system determines that no consensus exists for that operation. The invention extends this consensus mechanism to multiple operations within the same workflow. A first operation is processed as described, and a second, separate operation is also assigned to the same subset of nodes. The system collects results for the second operation and similarly checks for consensus by verifying if at least the consensus threshold number of nodes return the same result. If not, the system identifies that no consensus exists for the second operation. This approach ensures that workflows can proceed only when reliable, agreed-upon results are achieved, enhancing the robustness of distributed processing systems.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15 , wherein the processing further comprises sending, by the workflow processing node, a response to the client indicating that execution of the workflow program was not successful.
A system for managing workflow execution in a distributed computing environment addresses the challenge of efficiently processing and monitoring workflow programs across multiple nodes. The system includes a workflow processing node that executes a workflow program, which consists of a sequence of tasks to be performed. The node monitors the execution of these tasks and generates status information indicating whether each task was successfully completed. If a task fails, the node records the failure and may attempt to retry the task or proceed to the next task based on predefined rules. The system also includes a client interface that allows a client device to submit workflow programs for execution and receive status updates. The workflow processing node sends periodic status updates to the client, including details about task completion, failures, and any retry attempts. If the entire workflow program fails to execute successfully, the node sends a response to the client indicating the failure, allowing the client to take corrective action. The system ensures reliable workflow execution by tracking task progress and providing transparent feedback to the client.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , wherein each identified processing result is digitally signed by the associated node.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to a distributed computing system where multiple nodes process data and generate results. The problem addressed is ensuring the integrity and authenticity of processing results in a decentralized environment, where results may be tampered with or misattributed. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions for a distributed processing framework. Nodes in the system receive and process data tasks, producing processing results. To verify these results, each node digitally signs its associated processing result using cryptographic techniques. The digital signature ensures that the result is authentic and has not been altered since generation. The system may also include mechanisms for validating these signatures and tracking the provenance of results across nodes. The digital signing process involves cryptographic operations where a node uses its private key to sign the result, and other nodes or a central authority can verify the signature using the corresponding public key. This ensures that only the legitimate node could have produced the result, preventing forgery or unauthorized modifications. The system may further include methods for managing and distributing public keys, handling signature verification failures, and maintaining an audit trail of signed results. This approach is particularly useful in environments where trust between nodes is limited, such as blockchain networks, federated learning, or decentralized data processing systems. The digital signatures provide a tamper-evident mechanism for ensuring the reliability of distributed computations.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , wherein the workflow program includes executable byte code configured to be executed by the plurality of nodes.
A system and method for distributed execution of workflow programs involves a plurality of nodes in a computing environment. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing and executing workflow programs across multiple nodes to improve performance, scalability, and resource utilization. The workflow program is designed to be executed by the nodes, with the program including executable byte code that can be processed by the nodes. The byte code is structured to enable parallel or distributed execution, allowing tasks to be divided among the nodes for faster processing. The system may include mechanisms for task scheduling, load balancing, and inter-node communication to ensure efficient coordination. The workflow program may also include logic for handling dependencies between tasks, ensuring that tasks are executed in the correct order. The system may further include monitoring and management features to track the progress of the workflow and handle errors or failures. The overall approach aims to optimize the execution of complex workflows in distributed computing environments, improving efficiency and reliability.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , wherein assigning the identified operation to the subset of nodes includes executing, by the workflow processing node, a remote procedure call associated with the operation on each of the subset of nodes.
This invention relates to distributed computing systems, specifically methods for efficiently assigning and executing operations across multiple nodes in a workflow processing environment. The problem addressed is the need to optimize task distribution in large-scale systems where operations must be dynamically allocated to available nodes while minimizing communication overhead and ensuring efficient execution. The system includes a workflow processing node that manages the distribution of operations to a subset of nodes within a distributed network. The workflow processing node identifies an operation to be performed and selects a subset of nodes capable of executing that operation. The assignment process involves executing a remote procedure call (RPC) associated with the operation on each node in the subset. The RPC ensures that the operation is invoked remotely on the selected nodes, allowing for parallel execution and reducing latency. The system may also include mechanisms for monitoring node availability, load balancing, and error handling to ensure reliable operation distribution. The invention improves upon prior systems by streamlining the assignment process through direct RPC execution, eliminating intermediate coordination steps and reducing the time required to initiate operations across distributed nodes. This approach is particularly useful in environments where tasks must be dynamically allocated to available resources while maintaining low-latency communication. The system can be applied in cloud computing, data processing pipelines, and other distributed computing applications where efficient task distribution is critical.
20. A system, comprising: one or more computers; and one or more computer memory devices interoperably coupled with the one or more computers and having tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media storing one or more instructions that, when executed by the one or more computers, perform processing comprising: receiving, at a workflow processing node in a blockchain network from a client, a request to execute a workflow program, wherein the workflow program is stored in a blockchain maintained by the blockchain network; identifying, by the workflow processing node, an operation associated with the workflow program; assigning, by the workflow processing node, the identified operation to a subset of a plurality of nodes in the blockchain network, wherein each node in the subset of nodes is configured to execute the operation separately from the other nodes in the subset of nodes; identifying, by the workflow processing node, processing results for the executed operation associated with nodes in the subset of nodes, each processing result associated with a particular node in the subset of nodes and representing a result of the executed operation produced by the particular node; and determining, by the workflow processing node, a consensus result for the operation based on the identified processing results associated with a number of nodes greater than or equal to a consensus threshold matching the consensus result.
This system relates to distributed workflow execution in a blockchain network, addressing the challenge of securely and reliably processing workflows across multiple nodes while ensuring consensus on results. The system includes one or more computers and memory devices storing instructions for executing a workflow program stored in a blockchain. A workflow processing node receives a request from a client to execute the workflow program. The node identifies an operation within the workflow and assigns it to a subset of nodes in the blockchain network. Each node in the subset executes the operation independently. The workflow processing node then collects the processing results from these nodes, where each result represents the output of the operation as produced by a particular node. The system determines a consensus result for the operation by evaluating the processing results from a number of nodes that meets or exceeds a predefined consensus threshold, ensuring the final result is agreed upon by a sufficient portion of the network. This approach enhances reliability and security in distributed workflow execution by leveraging blockchain consensus mechanisms.
21. The system of claim 20 , the processing further comprising storing the consensus result for the operation in the blockchain.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to a blockchain-based system for securely storing consensus results from distributed operations. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring data integrity and trust in decentralized environments by leveraging blockchain technology to record and preserve consensus outcomes. The system includes a processing module that executes operations across multiple nodes in a distributed network. Each node contributes to a consensus process, where the results are aggregated and validated. The processing module then stores the final consensus result in a blockchain, ensuring immutability and transparency. This approach prevents tampering and provides a verifiable record of the consensus outcome. The blockchain storage mechanism involves cryptographically linking each consensus result to the preceding entry, creating a tamper-evident chain. This ensures that any attempt to alter a stored result would invalidate subsequent entries, maintaining data integrity. The system may also include additional features such as timestamping, digital signatures, or smart contracts to further enhance security and automation. By storing consensus results in a blockchain, the system enables trustless verification of distributed operations, making it suitable for applications in finance, supply chain management, and decentralized governance. The invention improves upon prior art by combining consensus mechanisms with blockchain storage, providing a robust solution for secure and transparent data recording.
22. The system of claim 20 , wherein the operation is a first operation, and the processing further comprises: identifying, by the workflow processing node, a final operation associated with the workflow program, wherein the final operation is separate from the first operation and appears last in an ordered set of instructions associated with the workflow program; assigning, by the workflow processing node, the final operation to the subset of nodes; identifying, by the workflow processing node, processing results for the final operation associated with nodes in the subset of nodes; determining a consensus result for the final operation based on the identified processing results; and sending, by the workflow processing node, a response to the client indicating that the workflow program has completed execution successfully.
This invention relates to distributed workflow processing systems, specifically improving the handling of final operations in a workflow program executed across multiple nodes. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable completion of workflows in distributed systems where individual nodes may fail or produce inconsistent results, particularly for the final operation that determines workflow success. The system includes a workflow processing node that manages execution of a workflow program across a subset of nodes. The workflow program consists of an ordered set of instructions, with a final operation that appears last in the sequence. The workflow processing node assigns this final operation to the subset of nodes, collects processing results from each node, and determines a consensus result based on these results. This consensus mechanism ensures that the workflow is only marked as successfully completed if a majority of nodes agree on the outcome. The system then sends a response to the client indicating successful execution, providing a robust way to handle workflow completion in distributed environments. The approach mitigates risks of partial failures or inconsistent results, ensuring reliable workflow termination.
23. The system of claim 20 , wherein the operation is a first operation, and the processing further comprises: identifying, by the workflow processing node, a second operation associated with the workflow program, wherein the second operation is separate from the first operation; assigning, by the workflow processing node, the second operation to the subset of nodes; identifying, by the workflow processing node, processing results for the second operation associated with nodes in the subset of nodes; and determining that no consensus result exists for the second operation based on a number of nodes less than the consensus threshold being associated a same processing result.
In the domain of distributed computing and workflow processing, this invention addresses challenges in achieving consensus among multiple nodes when executing operations within a workflow program. The system involves a workflow processing node that manages the execution of operations across a subset of nodes in a distributed network. The workflow processing node identifies a first operation associated with the workflow program and assigns it to a subset of nodes. It then collects processing results from these nodes to determine if a consensus result exists based on a predefined consensus threshold. If the number of nodes reporting the same processing result falls below the threshold, the system determines that no consensus exists for that operation. Additionally, the system handles a second operation, separate from the first, by assigning it to the same subset of nodes. The workflow processing node collects processing results for the second operation and similarly determines whether a consensus result exists. If fewer than the required number of nodes report the same result, the system concludes that no consensus exists for the second operation. This approach ensures that operations within a workflow are executed reliably and that consensus is properly evaluated across distributed nodes, enhancing the robustness of workflow processing in distributed systems.
24. The system of claim 23 , wherein the processing further comprises sending, by the workflow processing node, a response to the client indicating that execution of the workflow program was not successful.
A system for managing workflow execution includes a workflow processing node that processes workflow programs. The system monitors the execution of these programs and detects failures during processing. When a failure occurs, the workflow processing node generates a response indicating that the workflow program execution was unsuccessful. This response is sent to the client that initiated the workflow, providing feedback on the failure. The system may also include additional components, such as a workflow repository storing workflow programs and a client interface for submitting and monitoring workflow requests. The workflow processing node may further analyze the failure, log error details, and trigger corrective actions. The system ensures transparency in workflow execution by notifying clients of failures, allowing them to take appropriate measures. This approach improves reliability in automated workflow management by ensuring clients are aware of execution issues.
25. The system of claim 20 , wherein each identified processing result is digitally signed by the associated node.
This invention relates to a distributed computing system where multiple nodes process data and generate results. The problem addressed is ensuring the integrity and authenticity of processing results in a decentralized environment, where results may be transmitted or stored across multiple nodes. The system identifies processing results generated by each node and digitally signs each result using the node's cryptographic key. This digital signature verifies the origin and integrity of the result, preventing tampering and ensuring that the result can be trusted by other nodes or systems receiving it. The signing process involves applying a cryptographic algorithm to the result data, producing a unique signature that is linked to the node's private key. Other nodes or systems can then use the corresponding public key to verify the signature, confirming that the result was indeed generated by the claimed node and has not been altered. This mechanism is particularly useful in distributed ledger technologies, peer-to-peer networks, or any system where trust and data integrity are critical. The digital signature ensures that processing results remain reliable even when transmitted through untrusted intermediaries or stored in distributed locations.
26. The system of claim 20 , wherein the workflow program includes executable byte code configured to be executed by the plurality of nodes.
A system for distributed computing involves a workflow program that manages tasks across multiple nodes in a network. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing and executing computational workloads in a scalable and fault-tolerant manner. The workflow program includes executable byte code, which is a low-level, platform-independent representation of instructions that can be executed directly by the nodes. This byte code allows the system to dynamically allocate tasks to available nodes, ensuring optimal resource utilization and minimizing latency. The byte code is designed to be portable across different hardware architectures and operating systems, enhancing compatibility and reducing deployment complexity. The system may also include mechanisms for task scheduling, load balancing, and error recovery to maintain high performance and reliability. By using byte code, the system avoids the need for node-specific compilation, simplifying the deployment of workflows across heterogeneous environments. This approach improves efficiency, scalability, and adaptability in distributed computing systems.
27. The system of claim 20 , wherein assigning the identified operation to the subset of nodes includes executing, by the workflow processing node, a remote procedure call associated with the operation on each of the subset of nodes.
A distributed computing system manages workflow execution across multiple nodes by dynamically assigning operations to subsets of nodes based on workload and resource availability. The system identifies an operation within a workflow and selects a subset of nodes to perform the operation, optimizing resource utilization and reducing latency. To execute the operation, the workflow processing node initiates a remote procedure call (RPC) on each node in the subset. The RPC ensures that the operation is performed consistently across the selected nodes, enabling parallel processing and fault tolerance. The system may also monitor node performance and adjust assignments dynamically to maintain efficiency. This approach improves scalability and reliability in distributed workflow execution by leveraging RPCs for coordinated operation distribution.
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January 21, 2020
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